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Yet, despite these developments targeting irregular migration, the implications for Italy's workforce remain concerning. With an aging population and a skills gap, these immigration policies could exacerbate existing worker shortages.
The Demographic and Economic Challenge
Italy is experiencing one of the most acute demographic crises in Europe, characterized by declining fertility rates and an aging workforce. Currently, nine out of Italy's 107 provinces have more retirees than workers, raising alarms about the future labor pool. To counter this trend, Maloney quietly increased work visa quotas for non-EU citizens, allowing over 450,000 workers to enter the country in the next two years—a substantial 150% increase.